Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 246-851-490 Examination and licensure and new section WAC 246-851-540 Optometry inactive status, are being proposed by
the board of optometry in response to ESSB 5535, enacted by
the 2006 legislature. This law directs that all optometrists
licensed in Washington be licensed at the full scope of
practice by January 1, 2011. The law also authorizes an
inactive status for optometrists.

Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: The proposed rules
will implement ESSB 5535, enacted by the 2006 legislature
directing all optometrists to complete required training to
authorize full scope of practice by January 1, 2011, which
includes topical and oral prescriptive authority, limited
controlled substances and administration of epinephrine by
injection. The law also provides for an inactive status. The
purpose of the law is to provide clarification to the public
regarding what level of care optometrists can provide. This
proposal amends WAC 246-851-490 Examination and licensure, to
include the timetable by which all currently licensed
optometrists and applicants must qualify for the full scope of
practice. A proposed new section sets forth the process for
obtaining and maintaining an inactive license.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: Legislation enacted in
2006, sets a required timeline for all Washington licensed
optometrists to reach the highest level of licensure. The
highest level of licensure includes authorization for
prescribing or administering topical drugs, oral drugs and
limited controlled substances and administering epinephrine by
injection. The law also provides for an inactive status. The
law will clarify for the public what level of care
optometrists can provide, simplify processing of insurance
claims, and provide clarity for pharmacists who fill
prescriptions.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The rule is exempt from a
small business economic impact statement under RCW 19.85.025,
which does not apply to rules adopted under RCW 34.05.310
(4)(c).

A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The rule is exempt from the cost-benefit analysis
requirements under RCW 34.05.328 (5)(b)(iii).

WAC 246-851-490
Examination and licensure.
To qualify
for licensure in this state a candidate must:

(1) Successfully complete Parts I, II, and III of the
National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) examinations;
the Part III having been administered and successfully
completed after January 1, 1993((;)).

(2) Applicants who completed the NBEO Part II examination
prior to January 1, 1993, must successfully complete the
International Association of Examiners in Optometry (IAB)
examination in treatment and management of ocular disease((;
and)).

(3) Successfully complete a jurisprudence
questionnaire((; and)).

(4) Be a graduate of a state accredited high school or
equivalent((; and)).

(5) Be a graduate of a school or college of optometry
accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the
American Optometric Association and approved by the Washington
state board of optometry((; and)).

(6) Be of good moral character.

(7) Effective January 1, 2007, all applicants who receive
their initial (first) license in Washington state must meet
all the certification requirements of RCW 18.53.010 (2)(a),
(b), (c), and (d).

(8) Effective January 1, 2009, all optometrists licensed
in Washington state must be certified under RCW 18.53.010
(2)(a) and (b).

(9) Effective January 1, 2011, all optometrists licensed
in Washington state must be certified under RCW 18.53.010
(2)(a), (b), (c), and (d).

(b) Provide verification from all jurisdictions in which
the applicant holds a license, whether active or inactive,
indicating that the applicant is not subject to charges or
disciplinary action for unprofessional conduct or impairment;
and